“He never told me” — Kenny Smith’s earlier statement on Charles Barkley announcing retirement now makes more sense considering Smith may have talked Chuck out of it. At least, that’s what the most likely possibility seems after Smith’s recent appearance in USA Today Sports.

During the interview, the 2x NBA champ faced the question if he believed that retirement was ever going to be a thing. “We think we talk about this for years. This is not like a new conversation. And I know Charles. We only work one day a week. We are retired. No, that’s what retired people do. They work one day. We just really well-paid for that one day,” he said. The former Houston Rockets star further highlighted how his and his co-hosts’ TNT job requires them to work for like one month in a year.

“If you really look at it, we work the playoffs. That’s when we really like to work every day. You’re retired Chuck,” he added. Stating the 11x star has his emotional feelings about the whole thing that has been going on with the NBA and TNT, Smith claimed he understands Chuck’s POV. Notably, the ex-76ers star’s retirement announcement had come when the reports of TNT possibly losing its NBA rights first emerged.

Charles Barkley seemed fed up with the repeated questions and reports of the possibility of him signing with another network. “I’m done doing interviews… I’m not gonna talk about this cr*p anymore,” Chuck had said in his announcement. The statement clearly reflects the 61-year-old’s emotional frustration with the whole thing. And although he stated he would not continue no matter what, later there were reports of Chuck considering other options. However, he denied any such possibility, stating he has got to stick with his co-hosts on the show.

Kenny Smith praises the freedom with TNT amid the network’s legal battle with the NBA

After the NBA decided to go to Disney (ESPN, ABC), NBC, and Amazon, TNT’s parent company, Warner Bros and Discovery entered into a legal battle with league management. The legal issue arises from the reported contractual obligation of the NBA to go with TNT if it matches Amazon’s offer, which it did. While the legalities continue, Smith shared his opinion on how things will look like in the studio for what could be TNT’s last season with the NBA.

The 2x NBA champ first mentioned how he and his co-hosts, including Charles Barkley, Ernie Johnson, and Shaquille O’Neal, will not stop giving insights about the game and behind the scenes with TNT. “Like, ‘Hey, we’re not happy.’ That’s part of what makes us different. I don’t think any other network would allow or want their talent to talk about things like that,” Smith said, praising the TNT.

The ex-Rockets star further mentioned he had a great run with the network and would love it if it continues. Meanwhile, some recent reports suggested that even with the NBA gone, TNT could look into the possibility of continuing the show. This would involve other options that the network would still have, including college basketball and others. The likelihood that the cast may as well agree is high. Especially considering what Kenny Smith revealed about work-life at TNT.

Stay tuned for more such updates. Join us for the exciting second episode of the “Dual Threat Show” as our host BG12 sits down with Georgia Bulldogs star and Mountain West All-Freshman Team Selection, Asia Avinger.